Crushing Desire (29 page)

A knock at the door brought her out of her thoughts and back to the present. She nearly ran to open it, sure they had arrived early. When the door swung wide, Reena gasped. An older and somewhat world-worn Martin stood on the other side. The scar on his lip gave away his identity, but a new scar ran the length of his forehead, and Reena couldn’t help but wonder how he’d come to get the wound. He stood stiff, as though waiting for a response.

“Martin! Oh my, it has been years!” Reena squealed, giving in to the urge to hop a bit. Reena had missed the silly brothers and always hoped to see them again. At least to know that Michael had forgiven her for not letting him have what she could never have given him: her heart. That had, and always would, belong to Joshua.

Peeking over his shoulder as he took her hand and kissed it, she scanned the surroundings for Michael.

“Michael isn’t with me.” Martin straightened.

Reena’s thumbnail found its way between her teeth. She had hoped he would have forgiven her by now.

“I see.” Her eyes found a spot on the ground, not wanting to see his expression.

“You misunderstand. He wanted to be here, but he was… delayed. You see our ship is leaving in the morning, and we wanted to see you while we are here. We owe you so much.”

Reena’s gaze snapped to his, and Martin’s lips curved. Reena grinned back, happy to hear that she would get to right the wrong she’d committed. She had left things badly between them, but now she could fix it. At least she could try.

Martin’s gaze shifted to her mother and son.

“I heard that you had married. It is Mrs. Sinclair now, is it not?” Reena nodded. “And is your husband home?” Martin leaned in, appearing to search the room behind her.

His decidedly French accent and manner of speaking had become diluted in the army, and he sounded almost English. Reena frowned, wondering in what other ways the brothers had changed.

“No. He’s out at the moment.” She stepped back, allowing him inside. “This is our son, Bradley. We call him Lee, and this is my mother, Mrs. Harrison.”

Martin nodded respectfully to Carolyn and walked over to Bradley, scooping him into his arms.

“Well, aren’t you a handsome boy? So much a mix of father and mother. I’m your Uncle Martin, and I shall surely have to come back to visit you when I’m done with your mother.”

Reena tucked a fallen lock of hair behind her ear and eyed Martin. For some reason, his words seemed strange. She was sure it had more to do with his peculiar new way of speaking. Without a doubt an army trait.

Setting the boy on his feet, Martin turned back to Reena. “When we heard that your family had moved here, we had to visit, but with such limited time we can only see you this way.” Striding to where Reena stood, he took her hand. “Come with me Reena. Come see what has become of Michael and me, during our stay in the army. I promise you should not find the tale dull.” A hint of the old Martin shone through the rougher exterior, and all at once, Reena wanted to see these two together. Wanted to watch them compete, fight, and laugh. It had been so long.

“I want to, but we have visitors coming before dusk,” she said, not wishing to miss her family’s arrival.

“Come now, Reena. We can talk and visit for a short while. I promise to be done with you as soon after dusk as possible,” he said, continuing when she hesitated, “This will surely be our last chance to see you. This is not a harbor we are in very often, and we must leave soon.”

Reena chewed her thumbnail. If she was a bit late in returning, it would be all right. Her family and Joshua would have much to say to amuse their guests, and they were staying for at the least a month. Martin and Michael would only be here tonight.

In that instant, Reena decided she would go.

“Michael is in town?” Reena double checked, and when he nodded slightly, she continued, “Martin, I shall join you in a moment.”

Martin headed for the door, bowing respectfully to the ladies as he exited.

“You can’t truly mean to go alone? Can you?” Carolyn asked.

Reena looked at her mother, who had always been very concerned with propriety.

“Mother, someone must stay here with Lee, and the pie needs completing. I shall be home very soon. These are men I’ve known most of my life and have trusted with my life during that time. They will see I come to no harm.” When her mother continued to scowl, Reena went on, “And we will be very discreet if anyone should see us. I shall say they are cousins, if I must to avoid a scandal.”

“Well,” Carolyn looked around the room as though grasping for another reason. Reena saw that she was weakening and raised her eyebrows. “Go.” Her mother’s eyes softened as they met hers. “See your friends. We are only an hour from town, and you will be back early enough. I will finish the pie, and Lee can stay with me.”

Kissing her mother’s furrowed brow, she thanked her and reminded her to give Bradley his bath before the visitors arrived. She gathered Bradley into her arms and kissed him, telling him she would return, and then rushed out the door to the waiting carriage.

Chapter Thirty

Three large ships rolled gently on the waves in the port. The sails were secured, the anchors down, and salt worn sailors unloaded crates full of goods. The sound of seagulls reverberated through the air. Salt air filled Joshua’s nostrils as he stood nearby, cane in hand, waiting for his guests to descend the gangway. He hoped that Howard wouldn’t be too angry with him for stealing Reena away from whatever suitor he had intended. Probably Dan Dubois, who would one day, be a powerful and incredibly wealthy duke.

Howard stood at the top of a long gangplank, gazing down. Gunner, who had become Joshua’s business associate and closest friend, ran up to grab the heavy bag that George was lugging down the plank. George, physique younger and eyes brighter than Joshua had ever seen, turned and escorted the glowing Mrs. George Lynton down the plank. She was glowing with newlywed bliss. Joshua thought back to the day when he’d escorted his new bride from a ship at this very port. What a different experience that had been. He smiled with the memories of the days he’d spent with his lovely wife caring for his wounds. It had been a trying time, but he had finally been married to the woman he loved, and that made the whole experience almost blissful. Even if the end result meant he still required a cane on damp days.

Pushing the thoughts from his head, he asked how the new arrivals were fairing.

“Fine. Just fine, my boy! I’m only too glad that we can say the same thing about you.”

Emily smiled at some jest they seemed to share, but George seemed almost as uncomprehending as Joshua was. They couldn’t be talking about his injury, even though Reena had told them all about it in a letter after they had arrived in Massachusetts. These two looked like fat and happy cats that had just caught the pet canary.

“The coach is waiting, but let’s get the items you need from town first.”

Leading them down the plank and past the coach, Joshua asked about their trip and received the proper replies.

Joshua accompanied them into the local shops, so that they could purchase the necessary sundries for the trip. While they ordered their items, Joshua found that his curiosity had gotten the better of him.

“What did you mean that you’re glad you can say the same about me?”

Emily and Howard shared a chuckle, and Joshua couldn’t suppress his scowl.

“I suppose we can tell him now Howard, the damage has been well and truly done.” Emily grinned, barely keeping the glee from erupting.

“Well, I guess it is all right to reveal our little scheme to you now.” He leaned in, as though speaking confidentially. “We set you up, my boy.”

“To a grand result,” claimed Emily, clapping her hands. The two glanced at each other and nodded.

“What the bloody—for God’s sake, just tell me what you are saying,” Joshua said.

“Yes, dear, what is this all about?” George asked, eyes wide.

“Never you mind. It has not a thing to do with you. Now sit quiet, my handsome stallion.” Emily leaned in as she spoke the last words, and George turned a brighter shade of red than any man ever had, in Joshua’s opinion.

“Well, my boy, you see, when my brother sent his youngest to me, she had… ah… shall we say, bloomed rather early. Naturally, I was concerned for her safety and virtue,” Howard said, and Joshua wanted to ask what this had to do with it, but he held his tongue and waited.

“I tried everything I could to keep the men away. I dressed her in children’s styles long after she was too endowed for them. I even kept her inside, rather than let her out to wander, though she often found ways to sneak out anyhow.” He rolled his eyes. “I could see from your first few meetings that you two shared a fondness for each other. Anyone that had eyes in his head could see how she doted on you,” he said. “Why I remember one day when I came home from—”

“Stay on point Howard,” Emily chastised, and Howard glanced up, pulling himself out of the memory.

“Anyhow, we thought that surely there was no hope for it but to keep you two apart. You were married, and she was but a child,” Howard said.

Joshua tapped his foot and crossed his arms over his chest. He was starting to suspect where this was going.

“I was about to host her coming out when your wife, God rest her, died so tragically.” He and Emily shook their heads, showing respect for the dead. Joshua was touched that they would still make such a gesture when her death had been so long past. His memory went to his first wife. She would always be special to him, but he loved Reena more than he ever thought possible. Besides, he knew his first wife would surely approve of Reena.

“I decided to postpone her coming out and give you the time you needed to grieve. I was sure you would court Reena when she came out, if only you had the time to mourn first. That was when I went into business with you and insisted on meeting so often. I wanted you to spend time together, especially when the suitors came in droves.” Howard shook his head, smiling absently at some distant memory.

“Come to it, Howard,” Emily said, but Howard held up a hand to silence her.

“Never did I think that girl would have so many suitors.” Howard glanced at George, and Emily smiled, affectionately slapping her husband’s arm.

George grinned sheepishly as he gazed at his wife. “I must say, my sweet one, I am sorry I didn’t marry for the sake of business. It would have saved me from such a spirited and willful wife as I have now.”

Emily punched him, but this time, hard enough that he rubbed his arm. Joshua could see the love shining between these two and knew that they were meant for each other.

“Anyhow,” Howard continued waving a dismissive hand at the pair. “I was worried one of those suitors would convince her to accept his suit while you were sitting idly by, content to watch others try to win her hand.”

Joshua had many times accused and berated himself for that very thing, so he remained silent, twirling the head of the cane between his hands.

“Just when I thought you would at last begin courting her, I received a missive from Carolyn. She told me of Richland’s illness, and that the doctors were uncertain about the outcome. I knew Reena would and should go home, but I was a tad concerned.”

Joshua’s mind wandered to Reena at home with their son and her mother, preparing for the visitors. Gratitude washed over him.

 
“My only real concern was that the two of you would drift apart, or settle foolishly with others if I let her go for an extended stay with her family.” Howard leaned forward, taking hold of Joshua’s cane and shaking it. “Pay attention, boy.”

Joshua shook his head and looked back at Howard.

“So I went and spoke with our crafty Mrs. Lynton here.”

Emily nodded. “I told him that you two deserved happiness, and the only way to make that happen was to put total faith in the two of you.” Emily smiled slyly. “I said we should refuse her, and she would convince you to help her. I knew the two of you couldn’t fight your emotions for long if we put you together.”

Joshua blinked in astonishment, surprised that these two would scheme in such a way that it jeopardized Reena’s life and her virtue. If he’d been a less scrupulous man, Reena could have had a very bad time of it.

“I was a little concerned at first,” Howard said “I thought you would be so noble, you would feel it necessary to come and tell me of her plans—”

His words were cut off by Emily who pointed a finger in Howard’s face, eyes on Joshua. “Well, I told him that Reena would cure you of that notion right quick, and that her life and virtue were safe with you, noble as you have always been.” Her eyes twinkled, and Joshua wondered if she knew more than she said but was too shocked to ask.

“So we let you go. We knew that by the time you reached her father’s home, you would have her to wife and surely you did. Congratulations!” Howard patted him hard on the back, and Joshua was still too stunned to speak. He stared at the devious pair congratulating themselves on their cunning.

Howard’s tale of an elaborate set up should have angered him. His life had been manipulated, and someone else had decided what was best for him. Truth told, though, all he felt was gratitude that he’d come to have the one woman in the world that truly suited him.